More about me
I have been actively involved in Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) since 2005. I found my way into this field when I was looking for volunteer work. In the years before I had studied 'Environmental Policy Design' for a year at the Radboud University in Nijmegen. After that I obtained a BSc degree in 'Forest- and nature management' at Wageningen University. Over the years I have become more and more interested in the relations between people and between people and their surroundings.
EE is so much more
While working as a volunteer at Het Groene Wiel, the local EE center in Wageningen, I discovered that EE was no longer 'just an enriched biology lesson'. Decision making processes and value development, I was pleased to find, had become an important part of it. While working at the center I learned a lot about the development of educational materials, especially for primary schools. I discovered that asking the right questions was at least as important as being creative and having the right content knowledge. And as it turned out, I was pretty good at asking questions.
An academic perspective on EE
I had a strong desire to develop an academic perspective on EE, so I enrolled in the MSc program ´Applied Communication Science´ at Wageningen University where I specialized in EE and ESD. I studied the Roots & Shoots program (founded by Dr. Jane Goodall) focusing on methods for measuring the effectiveness of EE as a communication tool. In my Master thesis I examined the educational youth project 'Slippery Litter' (designed by Schools for Sustainability Gelderland) and developed a model for measuring the extent to which student engagement with the subject (litter) and with the educational process were affected by participation in EE projects. For this I received the Rachel Carson Environmental Sciences Thesis Award (second place) 2008 – 2009.
Working in the EE praxis
During my internship at SME Advies I experienced working as a consultant in the domain of communication for sustainability. I deepened my knowledge of GLOBE: the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment program which is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program.
Soon after graduation I found a job as project leader at SOM Nijmegen. This foundation operates nationally and contributes to the transition to a more sustainable society by developing education- and participation projects. Sustainability, environment and children's and youth policy are central themes. It is inspirational to develop these projects and to see concepts materialize.
EE is so much more
While working as a volunteer at Het Groene Wiel, the local EE center in Wageningen, I discovered that EE was no longer 'just an enriched biology lesson'. Decision making processes and value development, I was pleased to find, had become an important part of it. While working at the center I learned a lot about the development of educational materials, especially for primary schools. I discovered that asking the right questions was at least as important as being creative and having the right content knowledge. And as it turned out, I was pretty good at asking questions.
An academic perspective on EE
I had a strong desire to develop an academic perspective on EE, so I enrolled in the MSc program ´Applied Communication Science´ at Wageningen University where I specialized in EE and ESD. I studied the Roots & Shoots program (founded by Dr. Jane Goodall) focusing on methods for measuring the effectiveness of EE as a communication tool. In my Master thesis I examined the educational youth project 'Slippery Litter' (designed by Schools for Sustainability Gelderland) and developed a model for measuring the extent to which student engagement with the subject (litter) and with the educational process were affected by participation in EE projects. For this I received the Rachel Carson Environmental Sciences Thesis Award (second place) 2008 – 2009.
Working in the EE praxis
During my internship at SME Advies I experienced working as a consultant in the domain of communication for sustainability. I deepened my knowledge of GLOBE: the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment program which is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program.
Soon after graduation I found a job as project leader at SOM Nijmegen. This foundation operates nationally and contributes to the transition to a more sustainable society by developing education- and participation projects. Sustainability, environment and children's and youth policy are central themes. It is inspirational to develop these projects and to see concepts materialize.
The bridge between the EE praxis and science
I enjoy thinking about the way in which people learn. "How can you actively involve people in their own learning process? How can you stimulate people to take better care of their surroundings? Which working methods are effective for a particular target group? Which language style is most appropriate?" These are all important questions which I encounter in my day to day work. Unfortunately there is seldom sufficient time to search for answers extensively. Researchers can contribute to this search. Via Konekto I want to assist in building bridges between the academic world and the EE praxis.
I enjoy thinking about the way in which people learn. "How can you actively involve people in their own learning process? How can you stimulate people to take better care of their surroundings? Which working methods are effective for a particular target group? Which language style is most appropriate?" These are all important questions which I encounter in my day to day work. Unfortunately there is seldom sufficient time to search for answers extensively. Researchers can contribute to this search. Via Konekto I want to assist in building bridges between the academic world and the EE praxis.
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